Business Academy Intern Review

As the programme occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic the programme was virtual but I definitely don't feel this impacted the experience negatively. The student recruitment team packed each day full of exciting and engaging things to do. We were introduced to the company and got to learn about what it was like to work at EY and spent lots of time learning about our chosen service line, for me this was assurance. We got to speak with a number of people in the firm, from apprentices to partners and we also took part in an engaging case study that gave a real insight into the work an apprentice at the firm completes.

Not only did I learn what some of the basics of assurance, I also learnt lots of skills to help in more general areas of business. One of my favourite parts was learning how to develop my own personal brand in a way that is desirable to employers but also true to myself. We also covered lots of important techniques involved in writing and presenting skills that we will need to use all the time in business.

I really enjoyed my work experience as there was never a dull moment. All the employees I came into contact with across the programme were amazing and the initial feelings of nervousness I had at the start of the programme were soon cast aside. Comfort breaks and lunch were also planned into our day, which were really helpful and important to maintaining a good level of energy throughout the sessions. I can't fault any part of the programme at all at the student recruitment team definitely did an amazing job.

At the start of each day we were talked through a timetable detailing everything we would be doing over the next 6 hours. This meant everyone was coordinated and knew what to do. My only complaint is missing the majority of one of the shorter, half hour sessions because my group was sent an incorrect link. Though not ideal, this was the only time something like this happened and the team were really helpful in amending this issue.

Throughout the programme we spoke to loads of employees from all parts of EY so we could hear their own experience of the firm. We were able to ask any questions we liked and were encouraged to ask questions that we may have thought to be silly. This was really reassuring and you could tell that all employees tried to be as transparent as possible. I now can confidently say that I feel the company culture is massively friendly and welcoming, and I definitely look forward to the opportunity to work there.

The Business Academy has confirmed to me that a Business Apprenticeship at EY is the right way to go once I leave sixth form. I was provided with an abundance of information about what the role will entail and now have the option to fast track onto the apprenticeship before applications open to those who did not complete the programme. This really takes the pressure off me as I will not have to start a new application upon trying to get a place on the apprenticeship next year.

As the programme was virtual, no travel costs and meal costs were involved. We were paid for our time however, and from my understanding this is not common among work experience in the big four firms, so this is definitely a positive. I do believe that if the programme had been in person, we were told travel costs would be reimbursed up to a certain amount, I am not sure, however, what this amount was.

As I have already mentioned, I met many employees across the programme and these were all from a variety of roles. We were encouraged to connect with anyone we met on the programme via linked in, so we can stay in contact with the recruitment team as well as other employees we met. We have also been promised many follow up emails after the end of the programme, especially if we are interested in a Business Apprenticeship next year.

Yes

The programme has really helped me confirm what I want to do once I finish sixth form, and the opportunity to have a place on the Business Apprenticeship secured by the end of this year is definitely going to take pressure off in my last year of school. The experience was a fun one and I felt really respected by even the most senior members of EY that I met. Anyone considering an apprenticeship at EY should definitely complete this programme, and I guarantee it will be a great experience.

Definitely just be yourself. EY is a people's firm and care about you and your personality, rather than your qualifications. All the assessments you have to go through seem really daunting at first but looking back I don't think I needed to get as nervous as I did when I went about the process. EY want you to succeed, there is nobody sitting there hoping that you fail. Just try your best and that is all that matters.